Luke 4:22; "All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth."

By REV. FR. PAUL ANIGBORO

Today's gospel can be described as the manifesto of Jesus, which he addressed firstly to his own people but they couldn't accept it. They were amazed because they knew him as a carpenter. Their refusal meant they were not open to God's spirit. St. Paul in the first reading realised that he did not proclaim God's words in lofty wisdom but in spirit and power of God. This made the people of Corinth to grow in faith because the spirit of the Lord allowed the word to dwell in them.

Dear friend, what is your reaction when you hear the word of the Lord? Do you accept it or you become indignant at the person proclaiming it? The Lord is constantly reaching out to us in our brokenness, in our need and our suffering. All he asks is that we receive him as he is, on his own terms, which the people of Nazareth could not do. The Lord is always close to all of us; it is our need, our suffering, whatever form it takes, which can bring us close to him. He sends ministers to us. Let us look beyond the person and accept the words of God.

Lord, Grant us the grace to accept your words daily and may your words find a dwelling place in our hearts. Bless and protect us this new week and listen to the prayers we make to you. Amen.